(Story by @CDicksteinDC)

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has updated its criteria for combat awards, including establishing two new letter devices aimed at distinguishing the genesis of certain awards earned for service in a combat zone or for engaging an enemy through remote actions. The new combat “C” and remote “R” devices were implemented in a recent Pentagon directive that followed a yearlong internal review of the Defense Department’s awards system. Like the longstanding “V” device for valorous actions, the new quarter-inch gold devices will be worn on battle ribbons for specific awards. The services have through the end of 2017 to implement the new award devices, which can be administered retroactive to January 2016. The Army stated in a March 15 memorandum that it has already implemented the new devices, though the Awards and Decorations Branch has yet to receive a request for any. The new polic...